Social Security isn’t just for retirees—it’s for people of all ages. But to get benefits, you need to earn “credits” by working and paying taxes.
What are social security credits?
Think of credits like points in a video game, you collect them over your career.
In 2025, you get one credit for every $1,810 you earn, up to four credits a year. Most people need 40 credits—that’s about 10 years of work, to qualify for retirement benefits.
What age can you start collecting Social Security Income?
You can start taking Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly check will be smaller. If you wait until your full retirement age, that’s 67 if you’re born in 1960 or later, you’ll get your full benefit. And if you wait until age 70, your check gets even bigger!
What age can you collect Social Security Disability
If you get sick or injured and can’t work? That’s where disability benefits come in. If you’re under 24, you only need 6 credits in the last 3 years. If you’re older, you need more credits closer to when your disability started. And you must have a serious medical condition expected to last at least a year or result in death.
Who can collect Social Security Survivor Benefits?
Tragically, if a worker dies, their family can get survivor benefits. Spouses can get benefits as early as age 60, or even 50 if they’re disabled. Kids under 18—or up to 19 if they’re still in school—can also get benefits. And if you’re a dependent parent over 62, you might qualify too.
What age can you collect Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
There’s also Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, for people 65 and older or anyone who’s blind or disabled and has limited income. And don’t forget Medicare! Most people qualify at 65, or sooner if they’re disabled and have been getting Social Security disability for 24 months.
Social Security Eligibility Cheat Sheet
- Retirement: Start at 62, need 40 credits.
- Disability: Any age, credits vary, must be unable to work.
- Survivor: Family members of deceased workers, credits vary.
- SSI: 65 or any age if disabled, low income/resources.
- Medicare: 65 or younger if disabled, need credits.
Final takeaway
That’s Social Security in a nutshell! If you found this helpful, hit that like button, subscribe, and let me know in the comments what other public policy topics you want explained—fun, fast, and easy.
